Millie Bobby Brown and Paul Mescal champion the next generation of actors as they attend the virtual HFPA Annual Grants Presentation
Rising stars Millie Bobby Brown and Paul Mescal paid tribute to the next generation of young creatives on Tuesday evening as they attended The Hollywood Foreign Press Association hosted Annual Grants Presentation.
The event helps raise much needed funds for entertainment-related academic programs, non-profit organizations and humanitarian organisations, while offering scholarships to American college students.
And having found fame at a young age, Stranger Things star Millie, 16, and Normal People’s Paul, 24, were on hand to champion an array of colleges and schools across southern California.
Rising stars: Millie Bobby Brown and Paul Mescal paid tribute to the next generation of young creatives at the Annual Grants Presentation on Tuesday evening
Appearing remotely in accordance with current health and safety guidelines, Paul admitted a sports injury sustained as a teenager inadvertently pushed him towards a career in the arts.
He said: ‘In Ireland my own path was clear. I thought I would go on to be a Gaelic footballer but a funny thing happens when you break your jaw; it can put a dent in your aspiring sports career.
‘Thankfully, while attending Trinity College in Dublin I was lucky to cultivate my love for drama and acting, which leads me to our series Normal People.’
Opening up: Appearing remotely in accordance with current health and safety guidelines, Paul admitted a sports injury sustained as a teenager inadvertently pushed him towards a career in the arts
In attendance: The actor was joined by his Normal People co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones, who also attended remotely from her London home
Credit: Daisy helped her co-star pay tribute to an array of arts colleges and programmes across southern California
He added: ‘Even there we see the creative opportunities school can provide as higher education arts programmes can lead students to become professional creators.’
Joined by Normal People co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones – who also appeared remotely from her London home – the pair credited the work done by Californian Institute of the Arts, Los Angeles College, Santa Monica College, Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach.
Meanwhile Millie highlighted the good work done by the Echo Park Film Centre in Los Angeles, a local organisation that gives neighbourhood children the opportunity to make their own films.
Special mention: Millie highlighted the good work done by the Echo Park Film Centre in Los Angeles, a local organisation that gives neighbourhood children the opportunity to make their own films
Familiar faces: Anna Kendrick and Ethan Hawke also attended the fundraising event on Tuesday evening
Getting involved: Broadway star Billie Porter was on hand to lend his support to the US arts scene
The actress also congratulated US organisations The coalition of Asian Pacifics in entertainment, Big Brothers and Sisters Los Angeles, and Cherwell at the Zimmer Children’s Museum.
Other guests to attend the event from home on Tuesday evening included Broadway star Billy Porter, actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Anna Kendrick, and Hollywood veteran Christian Bale.
There was also a special performance from Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, while Late late Show presenter James Corden also provided some light entertainment on the night.
Over a 25-year period the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has donated more than $37.5 million to a variety of of organisations committed to promoting diversity and free speech within the film community.
It also assists in film restoration, with more than 158 screen classics already restored to their former glory.
Greetings: Actress and singer Tracee Ellis Ross appeared on the show from home
Beaming in: Jurnee Smollett (L) and Awkwafina (R) were also among the guests at the star-studded event
Legend: Hollywood veteran Christian Bale was another famous face at the annual fundraiser